HDSLR - Shifting to Moving Pictures

HDSLR or High Definition Single Lens Reflex is a term often used for DSLR cameras with video capabilities. This movement or trend started with the Nikon D90 - the first DLSR camera to shoot video. Although the video from the D90 was usable (to say the least), it wasn't at the level where people would actually take it seriously. It was a feature that was just there in case you needed it. Although, in my experience, i never did need it nor did I want to use it. My cellphone took better videos.

Not long after the release of the Nikon D90, Canon came out with the 5d mkII which also had video capabilities. Still, this feature wasn't taken seriously by the market. Only when Vincent Laforet released his short film Reverie -- shot in 1080p using only the 5d mkII, did the HDSLR movement explode. This short film paved the way for indie film makers and even major production studios to take notice (trivia: the latest season of House was shot using the 5d mkII). It was a more affordable option of making HD movies. The 5d mkII gave almost the same quality of video as the more expensive film cameras.

Now, following the trend, many photographers are dipping their toes in film making, including me. I just sold my Nikon D90 and got my self a Canon 550d/T2i/Kiss X4 and just started learning the craft and the art of film making. I would like you, our dear readers, to join me in this journey. I will post, whenever I can, stuff I learn along the way. In return, I hope you would participate by commenting and joining discussion. I am no PRO by any standards. I am just a hobbyist just like many of you. Let us learn this new frontier together!

Let's go!

The first thing I learned, after many weeks of researching online, if you want to go into HDSLR -- buy a Canon. I know, I know, I hear you, it's the Canon vs Nikon argument again, but majority of the HDSLR film makers agree that the video capabilities of a Canon is simply leaps and bounds better than that of a Nikon. It is just the brand of choice if you want to go into film making.

Canon has a good line up of HDSLR's to choose from. Choosing one over the other depends mainly on how deep your pocket is.

Let's take a look at your options:

Canon 500d - forget about this. it shoots great video but no manual control.
Canon 550d - if you have limited budget (like me) this is your best option. It takes good pictures too!
Canon 600d - this is just a 550d with a flippy lcd screen -- which has it uses, especially when shooting video
Canon 60d - this is a 600d with better build quality
Canon 7d - a 60d without the flippy lcd screen and with even better build quality. its built like a tank. This is as pro as you can go with a cropped sensor.
Canon 5d mkII - the best of the best as far as HDSLR is concerned.
Canon 1d mkIV - with slightly smaller sensor than the 5d mkII but the low light capabilities of this camera is mind blowing. check out this short film by Vincent Laforet (again) titled Nocturne. Shot with only the 1d mkIV in AVAILABLE LIGHT.

If you're serious about shifting to HDSLR soon then sell your Nikon... or you can wait until Nikon comes out with a good HDSLR. The D7000 is a viable option but it's still found wanting next to the 7d in terms of video.



SAMPLE SHORT FILMS:

Reverie by Vincent Laforet (Shot with the Canon 5d mkII)


Nocturne by Vincent Laforet (Shot with the Canon 1d mkIV)


Location Scout by Anders Overgaard (Shot with the Canon 550d + 18-55mm kit lens)

What You Get vs. What You Want

Ask yourself this, "Do I shoot what I want? Or do I shoot what I get?" What's your answer? If you had just picked up a camera that you got for Christmas, you're most likely going to answer the latter.

Most people get excited when they first get a hold of a DSLR, or any other fancy new gadget. So did I. I was ecstatic. I didn't even look at the manual. Who does? I just want to shoot. I'm excited to see the "good" pictures this high-tech gadget will take. I go out, set it on auto and hear that mirror slap like there was no tomorrow. Now, think about that for just a minute. Yes, give it a minute.

We easily rely on the camera's capabilities to do all the hard work for us. We tend to shoot what we get. But, as beginners who know nothing about cameras, that's understandable. However, the urge to rely on an electronic device's magical tricks can carry on forever like herpes. It will never go away. What happens is that we hit a plateau and turn stale.

If you ask me, do I end up shooting what I want? Not always. Sometimes I shoot what I get. But if you ask me what attitude I have in my head as I pull my equipment from my truck and hook them onto my double camera straps it would be that "I will shoot what I want." There's a big difference.

If you're on your way to a shoot, say, one with models and props and lighting, do you get excited that you will end up with great photos? Or, do you picture in your mind the kind of photos you want and poise yourself to get those shots? You need to answer this honestly because for one, the first attitude makes you a sloppy photographer-wannabe "slash" piss-poor underachiever who's happy with whatever he gets. The other, makes you a driven artist with a solid vision who knows where he's going and will do whatever it takes to get there.

The general public's perception on cameras or photos in general is that you simply take what is given to you. It does not acknowledge the skill you have put in to achieve that photo. A perfect example is a photo I had of a bride tossing her veil. It's a great shot. I shared it on facebook. Then a friend of mine commented, "Lucky shot!" Hmm. I thought it was funny because first of all, the bride was originally on the other side of the room when I asked her to stand by the window. This window had great diffused soft lighting. I then asked her to turn a bit sideways so that the light would define her face and create dimension instead of flat lighting. While this is happening, I've taken two test shots, adjusting after each image review. And then (this is step four if you're following) I asked her to start tossing her veil around like it was the funniest thing she's ever seen. Only then did I get the vision I had in mind. And then, click.

Taking four active steps does not result in a "lucky" shot. I had a vision, and that's exactly what I got.

No matter what stage you are into this wonderful hobby or career, always have a vision. Even if you know that shot probably won't end up the way you want it to, and it may not work every time. But it's important to constantly keep your creative juices flowing. Don't rely on technology or what the environment is giving you. Don't take it as it is. Don't shoot what you get. Use it, direct it, control it. Shoot what you want.

Angel is a dabawenyo and a wedding photographer based out of Houston, Texas in the United States. Visit his website here: www.angel-cruz.com

Introduction

This blog was created as a resource for anyone who loves photography. Its main purpose is to encourage people who decide to go further into this field to learn, improve, and do this ugly thing called "hard work" all over again... and again... and again.

The people you will most commonly see featured on this blog will range from advanced hobbyists to industry professionals. This is not a high-five club. Which means, this isn't for the faint of heart. We won't be looking at each other's work and give each other hugs and kisses. We will tear photos down. You will learn to be your own toughest critic. It's never good enough. It can always be better.

We will discuss do's and don'ts. What works, what doesn't work. Serious advice for those who want to seriously improve. We aren't for those who seek praises for mediocre work. However, we want mediocrity to evolve into excellence by encouraging you to go back, practice, and produce truly stunning images - whatever your cup of tea may be.

So if you're ready. Read on.